Punjab,India

To Know More About Punjab

Punjab, a state bordering Pakistan, is the heart of India’s Sikh community. The city of Amritsar, founded in the 1570s by Sikh Guru Ram Das, is the site of Harmandir Sahib, the holiest gurdwara (Sikh place of worship). Known in English as the Golden Temple, and surrounded by the Pool of Nectar, it's a major pilgrimage site. Also in Amritsar is Durgiana Temple, a Hindu shrine famed for its engraved silver doors.

Capital: Chandigarh

Chandigarh

The capital of Punjab, Chandigarh is counted among the metro cities of India and among the top places to visit in Punjab. This welcoming city will greet you with the flavors of everything between modernity and antiquity. Chandigarh also is one of the cleanest cities in the country, where one can spend time shopping in the mall, lounging at a cafe or unwinding by a lake or garden. If you’re wondering what to see in Punjab, this city has to be your answer. You wouldn’t even have to worry about how you will reach, as this city is blessed with ease of connectivity via road, rail, and even airways. If you are planning to explore famous places in Punjab then you must surely plan a visit to Chandigarh. Top tourist attractions: Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, International Dolls Museum, Pinjore Garden

Amritsar

Home of the glorious Golden Temple, the iconic city of Amritsar, portrays the heroic character of the Punjab. A day in this peaceful city starts with the spiritual prayers from Gurudwaras. The original name of first the ancient lake, then of the temple complex, and later the surrounding city, meaning "pool of ambrosial nectar." Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. Baisakhi festival brings out Amritsar's resplendent face with its finest food, clothes and merry-making. This place is also famous for its Jallianwala Bagh massacre and its proximity to Wagah Border. The satiating food and generous dollops of legendary Punjabi hospitality further connive to cast a spell upon the visitor. From the Operation Blue Star in the Golden Temple to the tragedy of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Amritsar has seen the worst of situations and yet emerged like a phoenix through testing times. Amritsar today is a thriving city with active trade and tourism industries. One of the most agriculturally productive cities of India, Amritsar is well connected with most of the important cities of India.

Golden Temple: One of the most spiritual places in India, Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrines in Sikhism and is alive with religious fervour and sacredness. Its divinity is a thing that can only be experienced and not described. After going through a tumultuous period of demolitions, it was rebuilt by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1830 purely with marble and gold. It is the view of the resplendent shrine, glistening in the centre of the tank that brings an infinite calmness. It is located right in the heart of Amritsar and is easily reachable from any part of the city. Serving as a symbol of brotherhood and equality, Golden Temple is visited by people from all over the world who come here to seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment. In spite of the thousands of people milling about in the premises of the temple, the only voice you will hear around you is silence interspersed with chants of the Sikh prayers. Located in the beautiful city of Amritsar, Golden Temple is just a small part of the vast complex known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib to the Sikhs. The spiritual focus is the tank, the Amrit Sarovar, which surrounds the glistening central shrine. Amritsar takes its name from this Amrit Sarovar which was excavated in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das. Around the edge of the compound, there are more shrines and monuments. The Sikh Museum is located inside the main entrance clock tower which shows the oppression endured by the Sikhs at the hands of the Mughals, the British and the Indian Government of 1984. The Ramgarhia Bunga is a protective fortress located at the southeast end of the tank and is surrounded by two Islamic-style minarets. Golden Temple is indisputably one of the most exquisite attractions in the world.

Wagah Border: Located at a distance of 22 km from Lahore and 28 km from Amritsar, Wagah Border marks the boundaries between Indian and Pakistani borders. It runs along the Grand Trunk Road between Amritsar in Punjab, India, and Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan. People from all over the country visit this place to witness the Beating Retreat Ceremony that is held every day before sunset. This ceremony includes the closing of the international gates and lowering the flags of both countries. It is a spectacle to be witnessed and is an occasion where the heart of every Indian is filled with pride and enthusiasm. The flag ceremony has been conducted by the Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers since 1959. Every evening, just before the sunset, the soldiers from the Indian and Pakistan military meet at this border post to engage in a 30-minute display of military camaraderie and showmanship. Officially, the purpose of the ceremony is to formally close the border for the night and lower the national flag. However, it is an entertainment ceremony and a display of national pride for the thousands of people who come here every day. During the build-up to the ceremony, the crowd engages in chanting the Indian national anthem, rounds of applause and Bollywood-style dancing on Hindi songs.

Jallianwala Bagh: Located near the famous Golden Temple of Amritsar, Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden that also houses a memorial to commemorate the massacre of peaceful celebrators by the British forces. Spread over 6.5 acres of land, Jallianwala Bagh is associated with one of the saddest days in Indian History when thousands of innocent people were killed on the orders of General Dyer as they gathered for a peaceful celebration of Baisakhi. There is a memorial tablet at the entrance which serves as a record of history. The tragic incident left a deep scar on the country, and a memorial was constructed post the independence for the innocents who lost their lives in this devastating incident. Established by the government of India in 1951, the massacre memorial was inaugurated by Dr Rajendra Prasad on 13th April 1961. The place has now been turned into a beautiful park and is managed by the Jallianwala Bagh National memorial trust.

Hall Bazaar: Offering electronic items, ornaments, best quality books, handicrafts and ready-made garments, Hall Bazaar is famous for its Mughal style gate, complete with a giant clock with caption "Amritsar - Sifti Da Ghar".

Partition Museum: The Partition Museum, the first-ever museum in the entire world to focus on the stories and trauma of the millions who had to suffer from the bloody consequences of a ruthless partition; was recently opened up at Town Hall in Amritsar. Developed by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Trust (TAACHT), the museum is a part of the newly inaugurated Heritage Street at Amritsar, which begins from the Golden Temple and ends at the Town Hall. Collections at the Partition Museum include newspaper clippings, photographs as well as personal items that were donated by people who had witnessed and lived during the Partition. TAACHT aims to establish the Partition Museum as a world-class physical museum which is dedicated to the memories of the Partition of the sub-continent in 1947. The museum is devoted primarily to the Partition's victims, survivors, and its lasting legacy. The Partition is undoubtedly one of the most brutal episodes in the Indian history, which witnessed the displacement of twelve million people to an altogether new homeland, and the painful demise of two million people!. Of course, such an aching and moving incident left behind many memories, which are excruciatingly painful and valuable at the same time. Still, there has always been silence about the Partition, and this is what made the development of such a museum extremely necessary. The Partition Museum has been visited by thousands of visitors ever since its inauguration. The list of visitors includes members from either end of the spectrum and comprises of school children, local families who were affected by the Partition, and also domestic and international tourists who visit Amritsar to witness the Golden Temple.

Durgiana Temple: Durgiana Temple, also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the city of Amritsar. It bears a stark resemblance to the famous Golden Temple while also carrying the same sense of peace, tranquillity and spirituality. Within this historic temple lies a beautiful Sarovar where one can find idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu floating. These idols are greatly revered and worshipped by pilgrims, making this temple a famous Hindu pilgrimage spot. Gur Shai Mal Kapoor, whose statue can be found at the main entrance of the temple, laid the foundation for this architectural wonder. The rare sculpture of the sitting Hanuman, considered one of a kind, is found in Durgiana Temple. One of the main highlights at this serene location is the fountain show which takes place in front of the main temple every evening. Apart from the main temple, one can find many subsidiary temples at this sacred site. The Bara Hanuman Mandir where Hanuman was said to be captured by the twins of Rama and Sita. Mata Sitla Mandir which is dedicated to Sitla, who sits beside a Shiva Linga and a brass lion. Idols of Sat Narain and Radha Krishna can be found in the premises of the Sat Narain Mandir and the Goswami Tulsidas Mandir is dedicated to Tulsidas where one can find a rare handwritten copy of the Ramayana. The temple ensures that visitors are taken care of during their visit to this holy place. One can rest at the "Shrimati Dhanwant Kaur Dharamshala" which is located in the temple periphery. Langar Bhawan, run by the Durgiana Management Committee, serves pilgrims throughout the day. The committee is also known for reaching out to the society through various services to help uplift the needy and being the pure representation of faith.

Anandpur Sahib

This city is located in the Rupnagar District of Punjab, close to the Pakistan border and is one of the holiest places for Sikhs since the Khalsa Panth was founded here. The site where this sacred event took place is today marked by the construction of a Gurudwara. The city of Anandpur Sahib is most famous for its multitude of Gurudwaras that were built to commemorate various Gurus. There are also five forts around the town that testify to its military history. Today, Anandpur Sahib is one of the holiest places in the world for Sikhs, and thousands of visitors come to this city to pray and take blessings from the sacred Gurudwaras of this town. Due to a large number of visitors, the city is very tourist friendly and also well connected to other major cities in the region.

Sarovar Anandpur Sahib

The pious and holy waters of the Sarovar Anandpur Sahib are like a cleansing ritual for the soul. This sacred lake, covering an area of about 80 square metres (around 860 square feet) is a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike. Situated right next to the Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib Ji, this Sarovar is flocked by people who come to the holy city of Anandpur Sahib for their pilgrimage dip. It is believed that a dip in these waters will act as a spiritual cleanser and keep all ill-thoughts at bay. Thus, people can be seen taking dips in this revered lake. The lake is frequented at all times of the day, but its glory transforms completely after sunset because of the array of lighting that reflects and illuminates the water in the lake. Address: Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, Punjab 140118 How to reach: Sarovar Anandpur Sahib can be reached by private as well as public transport. Visitors may drive from Chandigarh and enter the city in about 2 hours after covering a distance of about 80 km. Alternatively, visitors may take one of the many state buses or the daily train from Chandigarh. Chandigarh can also be reached by air from many Indian cities.

Bhatinda

The City of Lakes, Bhatinda is a simple city, which still is among the tourist places in Punjab you cannot miss. There are various landmarks in the city that have brought massive development in the state, right from AIIMS to thermal power plants and the Central University of Punjab. The city narrates legendary tales of the past as the remnants stand as witnesses. Rulers like Mahmud of Ghazni, Muhammad Ghori, and Prithvi Raj Chauhan have fought wars and ruled the city in the erstwhile era. It is one of the best places to visit in Punjab with family. Top tourist attractions: Qila Mubarak, Rose Garden, Jogger’s Park

Patiala

The fourth largest city of the state, Patiala is name we see featured in list of beautiful places in Punjab quite often. It is also called the City of Newspapers, and the monuments here showcase a blend of different architectural styles such as Mughal, Rajput and of course Punjab. You will find a plethora of places to visit in Patiala, Punjab. If you are a history enthusiast, this city will not disappoint you. Patiala is also a choice for the travelers who wish to shop for authentic Punjabi items such as juttis, parandas and more. Top tourist attractions: Moti Bagh Palace, Kali Mata Mandir, Qila Mubarak, Bahadurgarh Fort, Sheesh Mahal

Pathankot

One of the most famous places in Punjab, Pathankot borders with Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Blessed with lush greenery, this city looks even more stunning during the monsoon season. Alongside its lovely landscape, the city is known for its history as well. Pathankot also serves as a major railhead to various neighboring cities in Himachal such as Dalhousie. Top tourist attractions: Nurpur Fort, Mukteshwar Temple, Kathgarh Temple, Shahpurkandi Fort, Ranjit Sagar Dam

Nangal

Have you ever heard of Bhakra Nangal Dam? Yep, it is right there in Roopnagar’s district of Punjab. One of the offbeat places to visit in Punab, Nangal is a perfect one day getaway from Chandigarh. If you are confused about whether there is anything to see in Nagal, then you will be surprised by the number of things to do here. Do not miss out having a picnic from the huge dam. Lay your eyes on beautiful Shivalik Hills from this point. Enjoy a sunny winter afternoon in Satluj Park and celebrate 500 years of Sikh history at Virasat-e-Khalsa. Top tourist attractions: Bhakra Nangal Dam, Satluj Park, Virasat-e–Khalsa, Sheetla Devi Temple, Nangal wetlands

Ropar

If you are looking for places to visit near Jalandhar, Punjab, Ropar is a close one. Also known as Roopnagar, Ropar is an ancient town in Punjab which is more famous for its ruin from Harrapan civilization. Didn’t expect Ropar to be of such historical importance, did you? Well, that is the thing about Punjab. It is a culturally and historically rich state of India, the glimpse of which you can find in Ropar. Top tourist attractions: Anandpur Sahib, Ropar Wetland, Jatweshwar Mahadev Temple

Mohali

Still looking for best tourist place in Punjab? Also known as Ajitgarh, Mohali is a major commercial, cultural and transportation centre. The place has a significant importance in promoting sports. As Mohali is home to PCA Cricket Stadium and International Hockey Stadium, both the stadiums lure sports enthusiasts from all across the country to this beautiful destination. The place is also visited by devotees as there are many popular Gurudwaras here including Gurudwara Amb Sahib, Singh Shaheedan, etc. Top tourist attractions: Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, Mansa Devi Temple, Punjab Cricket Association Stadium

Sirhind

Sirhind was earlier known as Fatehgarh Sahib. It was a military outpost of Prithviraj Chauhan in his revolt against Muhammad Ghori. The place turned out to be part of Ghauri Sultanate and later in the year 1362, it was refounded by Tughlaq emperors. If you visit Sirhind, you will witness the traces of its past story giving you a perfect chance of exploring the struggles of previous kings. Currently, it is prominent pilgrimage spot for Sikhs as the two young sons of Guru Gobind Singh were brutally killed here. Top tourist attractions: Gurudwara Jyoti Sarup, Gurudwara Shaheed Ganj, Tomb of Nabis at Bras

Naina Devi Temple

The Temple of Shri Naina Devi Ji is situated on a hilltop in Bilaspur Distt. Of Himachal Pradesh. Situated at a height of 1219 m above sea level, it was built by Raja Bir Chand in the 8th century. With several folklores going about the temple ever since it was built, the temple is considered very holy by the pilgrims who pay a visit regularly. Naina Devi Temple has a lot of mystical folk tales surrounding it, which attracts various tourists travelling in this region. This temple was constructed on a triangular hillock and is considered one of the 52 Shakti Peeths of Sati. All the major festivals talked about in the Hindu mythology are celebrated at the temple with great vigour, turning it into a melting pot of festivities all around the year.